(computer science) A key change which takes place in a control data field, especially in the execution of a report program. A suspension of computer operation that is accomplished by simultaneously depressing the control key and the break key.
Control break
| Sci-Tech Dictionary: control break |
(kən′trōl ′brāk)
| 5min Related Video: Control break |
| Computer Desktop Encyclopedia: control break |
A change of category used to trigger a subtotal. For example, if data are subtotalled by state, a control break occurs when NJ changes to NM. See also Ctrl-Break.
Download Computer Desktop Encyclopedia to your iPhone/iTouch
| Wikipedia: Control break |
Not to be confused with 'Control-Break' displayed in MS-DOS when cancelling an ongoing task by pressing Ctrl+Break key combination.
 |
This article is an orphan, as few or no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from other articles related to it. (February 2009) |
In a computer program, a control break occurs when there is a change in the value of one of the keys on which a file is sorted which requires some extra processing. For example, with an input file sorted by post code, the number of items found in each postal district might need to be printed on a report, and a heading shown for the next district. Quite often there is a hierarchy of nested control breaks in a program, e.g. streets within districts within areas, with the need for a grand total at the end. Structured programming techniques have been developed to ensure correct processing of control breaks in languages such as COBOL and to ensure that conditions such as empty input files and sequence errors are handled properly.
With fourth generation languages such as SQL, the programming language should handle most of the details of control breaks automatically.
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
Learn More
 | XTP (technology) |
| Fights and Falls: Sports Disasters (2001 Sports & Recreation Film) |
| break (computer jargon) |
Help us answer these
 | Break controller in a chevy tahoe? |
| Clutch - breake control ON a lathe what is it? |
| Where is the break switch that controls the break lights on a 2001 hyundai elantra? |
Post a question - any question - to the WikiAnswers community:
Copyrights:
 |
 | Sci-Tech Dictionary. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms. Copyright © 2003, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1978, 1976, 1974 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. © 1981-2010 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Control break". Read more |
Related answers
- How do you break up with a boy that is controlling you?
- Why doesn't the Break lights and cruise control does not work?
ADVERTISEMENT
Answer these
- How can you control your acne break outs?
- What if your wii controller breaks?
- A control break occurs when a program?
Mentioned in
- XTP (technology)
- Fights and Falls: Sports Disasters (2001 Sports & Recreation Film)
- break (computer jargon)
- Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1992 Action Film)
